Tolerate -
- Allow the existence, occurrence, or practice of (something that one does not necessarily like or agree with) without interference.
- Accept or endure (someone or something unpleasant or disliked) with forbearance.
Accept – to believe as true, to believe.
There are differences between the two definitions. One allows for the existence of difference of opinion without accepting said opinion as truth while the other accepts it as truth. It’s a big world and all of the available beliefs, actions or opinions are not beliefs, actions or opinions which I can accept as true, or believe as my own. I can however, tolerate that you believe something which I don’t believe. Being tolerant allows both of us to have a difference of opinion without penalty or consequence to either of us. Another analogy is that I tolerate cauliflower. I don't accept it as good nourishment but I will eat it, if I have to. My wife would disagree with me, but I know that our son agrees with me. You see, there is a difference between tolerating someone else’s beliefs and accepting their beliefs.
Regarding the hot topic of the day, I find the back and forth discussion over Don Cathy’s comments very interesting. In my opinion, Don Cathy's comments have been exceedingly blown out of proportion. He never said that he hated homosexuals. From what I have read, he never said anything which was discriminatory. All he said was that he supports traditional marriage. Even though I agree with him on this issue, I have found somewhat humorous that some Christians are crying foul over the talk about boycotting Chick-Fila. They claim that Don Cathy was just exercising his Constitutional right to “freedom of speech” and accuse liberals of being intolerant. I agree with D.A. Carson when he said that there are people who demand that others be tolerant of them but at the same time they are extremely intolerant of others. He calls this attitude the “Intolerance of Tolerance”, which is prevalent in our culture today. Did you know that it is entirely possible to have an opinion or even a conviction about something without being a hate-monger or violating someone’s civil rights? Sadly though, in the current culture of targeted intolerance, one needs to choose their vocalized opinions wisely or risk facing the media firing squad. I find it amusing when “tolerant” people become militant with intolerant hate when they find anyone who doesn’t accept their beliefs or opinions as fact. In cases like this, their view of tolerance is hypocritical, self-serving and they don’t even see it. So many people on both sides of this issue (and many other highly sensitive issues) are only tolerant of you and your beliefs as long as they line up with their own. The irony is mind-boggling. As a result, respect for others and their beliefs are becoming endangered species. Respectful debating of issues is even rarer.
As you probably have heard, there has been talk of boycotts, franchise bans and support days. Mayors, governors, talk show hosts, etc… have all thrown their two cents in. All the while, I have recalled recent situations where the roles have been reversed and Christians were the ones calling for boycotts. In fact, there are some Christian organizations which are built upon the boycott mentality. Their “Action Alerts” are closely followed and churches are encouraged to have their members/attendees sign petitions pledging their support to the cause. They strategically and oftentimes successfully create, promote and stage a boycott to “encourage” a business to change the way in which it does business or even who it gives money to. As a result, why should Christians be surprised or outraged when the same tactic is used against an organization or company in which Christians deem to be ok? Sadly, I was sucked into this type of political activism at a former church. I even signed petitions at church demanding that “company A” stop funding “group b” or I would no longer purchase “company A’s” product. I don’t see anything inherently wrong with giving your opinion. If somebody feels compelled to speak out regarding a certain topic, to sign a petition, to support a group which you believe in, or to even boycott those you don't believe in, feel free to do as your conscience leads. However, when it is encouraged or endorsed by the local New Testament Church, I am afraid that the church has drifted from its’ first love. When a church gathers together, it is not to discuss the political hot topics of the day, to promote a certain line of political thinking or even to worship the “Good Ol’ USA”. It is to worship the Lamb of God, the Risen Son of the Living God, the only mediator between God and man, the King of Kings, Jesus Christ through praise, singing, prayer, meditation, giving, serving and the preaching of the Word of God.
Personally, Chick-Fila’s president should have known that his comments, especially in the current political climate, would be highly controversial and would likely result in a backlash against his company and the roughly 1,600 Chick-Fila local franchises around the country. The outcry and intense scrutiny are no surprise. However, we need to remember that he did not discriminate against anybody. He simply gave his opinion on what he believes. People who disagree with him can counter with what they believe. We are living in dangerous times when a person cannot give his or her opinion without fear of financial, physical or legal reprisal. Let’s debate the issues with civility, decency and respect.
It is possible to disagree about something without spewing vile hatred at each other.
And least, it should be.
